Bulletin Announcements – 29 September 2013
Ariel writes – a weekly scriptural devotion:
Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:3-4 NIV)
Why such bitter anger? Why such utter contempt? A little history might help. Nineveh was founded by Nimrod who built the tower of Babel and led a worldwide rebellion against God. By the time of Jonah, Nineveh was filled with 120,000 people who worshipped Ishtar (Astarte) the fertility goddess. This sin city, Assyria’s capital, was a threat to Israel’s existence. In fact, after Jonah, in 740 BCE, the Assyrians began a cruel and ruthless invasion of Israel. Nineveh – a city born in sin, awash with sin, which would sin again. But Nineveh had repented, so God forgave and spared them. No wonder Jonah was bitterly angry! Yet, when someone repents God’s forgiveness knows no bounds, it ignores all time-lines, and disregards all cruelties. His forgiveness is blatantly unashamed! Imagine yourself now – a sinner born in sin who will sin again. When you repent does God not forgive you completely and unashamedly in Christ? Of course He does! Therefore, is it right for you to stay angry towards others who also repent?
This year we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our church. Together, our congregations will give thanks to God on Sunday, Nov 10, with a combined Service at PLC (10am) and a Banquet at Rhodes Phoenix Restaurant (6pm). Tickets for the banquet will be on sale throughout September ($50 adult, $20 primary-school child). Please assist by booking whole tables of 12.
Remember that awesome few days we had last holidays? You don’t? Because we do! And to commemorate those great memories we made, we’re holding a camp reunion! Join us on the 6th of October, 2:30pm for talks, food and fun and games.
Strathfield 9am Ladies Fellowship: Today 10.45am to 12.15pm followed by lunch at the home of Elizabeth Hing Concord.
Sunday school: Holiday program will be on today and 6 October. Term 4 will start on 13 October. Play Group: Term 4 will start 8 October.
2013 AGM Announcement: Notice is given hereby to all members to attend an Annual General Meeting called by the Diaconate, to be held on 13th October 2013 at 12:30pm, at the Chapel of the church. In the agenda of the AGM, beside the regular items, there will be two special motions:
- To call Rev. Keith Noldt as a part-time interim minister of the church to serve the Strathfield 9am English congregation. His term will be one year and renewable.
- To call Pastor Andrew Bardsley as a full-time youth pastor of the church to serve the Strathfield 9am English congregation. His term will be three years and renewable.
(As these are special resolutions, 75% majority votes are required to pass these motions.)
Proxy Forms will be available from any deacon or minister and should be returned to deacon or minister or by fax or email to WSCCC. Deadline of Proxy Form to be received as valid vote is 11th October 2013, 12:30pm. Any Proxy Form received after the deadline becomes invalid and will not be counted.
All members please see the ushers after the service for a copy of the WSCCC Annual Report (one copy per family please) and the AGM Agenda.
Commissioning Service for Alex and Naomi Fung, OMF Missionaries to Japan. October 20, 2.30pm, WSCCC Strathfield. Join us in praising God in anticipation of how He will use them to bring the gospel to Japan in the years ahead. This service is crucial as we pray and send them before they fly out the next day.
Daylight saving time starts next Sunday, so set your clocks forward one hour!